Doc's orders: Stay optimistic, realistic on golf course

Golf can be a mind gameMaximizing performance on the links takes an optimistic but realistic attitude

RICHARD DEAN, Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

Published 5:30 am, Wednesday, May 23, 2007

While warming up on the first tee, every golfer would like to have that nice, fluid swing that can be seen and admired from the parking lot.

Having a good grip, proper setup and smooth tempo is crucial in pulling off a shot at the right moment. And never underestimate the importance of a mechanically sound golf swing.

But what is overlooked at times is the mental aspect of golf. From the pre-shot routine to post-shot routine, a golfer should always be mentally sharp. And realistic.

"A golfer must be optimistic and realistic," said Dr. Derek de la Peña, noted for helping athletes in their mental approach. "Expect to hit effective shots you are capable of hitting. If you can't hit the shot at least 50 percent of the time at the driving range, then you have no business hitting it on the course.

"We shouldn't visualize hitting a draw like Tiger (Woods) if we can't hit it. Visualize an effective shot you are capable of hitting. Visualization takes place during a pre-shot routine."

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Low-handicappers understand the importance of the mental side of golf.

"People who are struggling are people who are struggling mentally," said Darryl Henning, general manager and director of golf at Hermann Park Golf Course. "Overlooked for years is the mental approach — how to focus, not let your nerves get to you.

"Golf takes so long to learn. When you start, you're trying to hit the ball and make it go forward. The low-handicappers factor in wind speed and where's the best spot to leave the ball on the green. The average golfer is just happy to hit the green."

Strong survive

In professional golf, the mentally strong golfers are the most successful.

"You see it on tour," Swanson said. "One week they'll shoot lights out; the next week, they can't make the cut."

De la Peña said the most important principle on mental preparation is basic: one shot at a time.

"It's so overused. It's almost lost its value because it's obvious," said de la Peña. "One shot at a time must be in the forefront of every golfer's mind."

In the pre-shot routine, de la Peña believes in being decisive on club selection. Don't go into a shot wavering between a 6- or 7-iron. Make a decision, stick with it and hit the ball.

Most golfers, regardless of handicap, take several practice swings in the pre-shot routine. However, many golfers don't even have a post-shot routine. What happens after the shot is important in fixing a problem.

"Bad shots usually influence negative emotions," de la Peña said. "You must be prepared to not let that negative emotion affect your next shot. If you sliced a ball out of bounds, you shouldn't rush to the next shot.

"Put a constructive thought in your mind before addressing the next shot. Once you've put the golf club in the bag, that should signify the shot is over, and it is time to focus on the most important shot — the next shot."

Keep it positive

De la Peña says concentrate on what you're trying to accomplish during a round, as opposed to what you don't want to happen.

"The key is trying to hit a decisive target and focus on what you're trying to accomplish," he said. "Acknowledge where danger lies, but don't dwell on the negative."

For de la Peña, being mentally prepared on a golf course is just as important as the physical challenges.

"Perhaps the biggest problem recreational golfers face is a score focus instead of focusing on the process," de la Peña said. "One bad shot affects their next shot and, ultimately, their score. Mental preparation helps recreational golfers understand how pros think, how to focus on the process as opposed to the outcome."